As an amendment to motion S5M-08558 in the name of John Swinney (Presumption of Mainstreaming), insert at end “; recognises the significant pressure that has been placed on local authorities by the commitment to mainstreaming as a result of the diminished number of teachers, especially on those who are trained to support pupils with additional support needs (ASN), given the large increase in the number of pupils identified with ASN, and the continued use of specialist educational provision outwith their own local authority area; notes with concern the comments of trainee teachers at the meeting of the Education and Skills Committee on 10 May 2017 that some aspects of teacher training courses do not adequately equip them to cope with the plurality of needs and behaviours of ASN pupils, and calls on the Scottish Government to address these concerns which have, inevitably, meant that some young people are not currently receiving the best support possible.”

As an amendment to motion S5M-08558 in the name of John Swinney (Presumption of Mainstreaming), insert at end “; recognises the significant pressure that has been placed on local authorities by the commitment to mainstreaming as a result of the diminished number of teachers, especially on those who are trained to support pupils with additional support needs (ASN), given the large increase in the number of pupils identified with ASN, and the continued use of specialist educational provision outwith their own local authority area; notes with concern the comments of trainee teachers at the meeting of the Education and Skills Committee on 10 May 2017 that some aspects of teacher training courses do not adequately equip them to cope with the plurality of needs and behaviours of ASN pupils, and calls on the Scottish Government to address these concerns which have, inevitably, meant that some young people are not currently receiving the best support possible.”

Supported by: Michelle Ballantyne, Annie Wells, Liam Kerr

Current Status: Taken in the Chamber on 02/11/2017

That the Parliament congratulates the Black Watch Castle and Museum in Perth on winning the Tourism, Leisure and Hospitality Business of the Year Award at the 2017 Courier Business Awards; notes that this title recognises businesses that promote the region and add value to the area; acknowledges that it faced stiff opposition for the award from other businesses, such as Dundee Rep, the Scottish Dance Theatre, Morton of Pitmilly Countryside Resort and the Bon Viveur Group; recognises that the castle, whose museum tells the story of Scotland’s oldest highland regiment, is one of the top visitor attractions in Perthshire, and wishes all at the castle and museum continued success.

That the Parliament congratulates the Black Watch Castle and Museum in Perth on winning the Tourism, Leisure and Hospitality Business of the Year Award at the 2017 Courier Business Awards; notes that this title recognises businesses that promote the region and add value to the area; acknowledges that it faced stiff opposition for the award from other businesses, such as Dundee Rep, the Scottish Dance Theatre, Morton of Pitmilly Countryside Resort and the Bon Viveur Group; recognises that the castle, whose museum tells the story of Scotland’s oldest highland regiment, is one of the top visitor attractions in Perthshire, and wishes all at the castle and museum continued success.

That the Parliament welcomes the Fraser of Allander Institute report, The value of college graduates to the Scottish economy, which found that colleges will generate additional value worth £20 billion for the Scottish economy, as measured by GDP, over the long-term, representing an additional £55,000 boost to economic productivity in Scotland per graduate, and considers that this research demonstrates the critical role that colleges play in developing Scotland’s growth potential through enhancing human capital, whether providing routes from school to work, further training or university, continuous skills development, or retraining people for new opportunities.

That the Parliament welcomes the Fraser of Allander Institute report, The value of college graduates to the Scottish economy, which found that colleges will generate additional value worth £20 billion for the Scottish economy, as measured by GDP, over the long-term, representing an additional £55,000 boost to economic productivity in Scotland per graduate, and considers that this research demonstrates the critical role that colleges play in developing Scotland’s growth potential through enhancing human capital, whether providing routes from school to work, further training or university, continuous skills development, or retraining people for new opportunities.

That the Parliament celebrates the success of the Scottish cyclist, Mark Beaumont, on completing his record-breaking around the world in 80 days cycle a day ahead of schedule; recognises that he has travelled over 17,000 miles across four continents, cycling 16 hours a day with as little as five hours sleep per night; acknowledges that this is the second time that Mark has broken the world record for circumnavigating the globe by bicycle, and congratulates him and his team on their achievement.

That the Parliament celebrates the success of the Scottish cyclist, Mark Beaumont, on completing his record-breaking around the world in 80 days cycle a day ahead of schedule; recognises that he has travelled over 17,000 miles across four continents, cycling 16 hours a day with as little as five hours sleep per night; acknowledges that this is the second time that Mark has broken the world record for circumnavigating the globe by bicycle, and congratulates him and his team on their achievement.

That the Parliament notes that the David McCabe spruce has been shortlisted as a finalist to be named Scotland’s Tree of the Year 2017; acknowledges that this competition is run by the Woodland Trust, with the winner to be announced at the Parliament in December; notes that online voting opened in September and encourages members of the public to take part; understands that the spruce's origins in Scotland date back to the First World War where a sapling was pulled from the mud at Passchendaele by Lt McCabe and sent home to his father in Crieff; acknowledges with sadness that David died as a result of injuries sustained in the conflict and never returned to see his tree grow, and believes that, in the year marking the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Passchendaele, its inclusion is particularly symbolic.

That the Parliament notes that the David McCabe spruce has been shortlisted as a finalist to be named Scotland’s Tree of the Year 2017; acknowledges that this competition is run by the Woodland Trust, with the winner to be announced at the Parliament in December; notes that online voting opened in September and encourages members of the public to take part; understands that the spruce's origins in Scotland date back to the First World War where a sapling was pulled from the mud at Passchendaele by Lt McCabe and sent home to his father in Crieff; acknowledges with sadness that David died as a result of injuries sustained in the conflict and never returned to see his tree grow, and believes that, in the year marking the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Passchendaele, its inclusion is particularly symbolic.

That the Parliament recognises that Scotland’s mountains are globally renowned for their natural beauty and unique opportunities for hillwalking, mountaineering and climbing and notes that these activities make a vital contribution to the visitor economy in remote rural areas, as well as the health and wellbeing of the nation’s growing community of mountaineers, and celebrates the outstanding contribution of Mountaineering Scotland, Scottish Mountain Rescue and the voluntary mountain rescue teams, who, working in partnership, contribute to the safety of the hundreds of thousands of people who go into the wild spaces of Scotland every year, performing a vital role offering advice and skills to those who venture into the hills and, in the case of the voluntary mountain rescue teams, give their time selflessly to assist those who get into difficulty.

That the Parliament recognises that Scotland’s mountains are globally renowned for their natural beauty and unique opportunities for hillwalking, mountaineering and climbing and notes that these activities make a vital contribution to the visitor economy in remote rural areas, as well as the health and wellbeing of the nation’s growing community of mountaineers, and celebrates the outstanding contribution of Mountaineering Scotland, Scottish Mountain Rescue and the voluntary mountain rescue teams, who, working in partnership, contribute to the safety of the hundreds of thousands of people who go into the wild spaces of Scotland every year, performing a vital role offering advice and skills to those who venture into the hills and, in the case of the voluntary mountain rescue teams, give their time selflessly to assist those who get into difficulty.

As an amendment to motion S5M-06376 in the name of John Swinney (Education Governance Next Steps), insert at end ", but, in doing so, deeply regrets the missed opportunity to give full autonomy to headteachers and to further extend choice and diversity within the school system in a way that responds positively to changing parental demand and the philanthropic vision of new types of schools."

As an amendment to motion S5M-06376 in the name of John Swinney (Education Governance Next Steps), insert at end ", but, in doing so, deeply regrets the missed opportunity to give full autonomy to headteachers and to further extend choice and diversity within the school system in a way that responds positively to changing parental demand and the philanthropic vision of new types of schools."

Supported by: Bill Bowman

Current Status: Taken in the Chamber on 28/06/2017

That the Parliament is concerned by the recent evidence presented to the Education and Skills Committee by trainee teachers, which revealed some serious concerns about the teacher training programme in Scotland, specifically about the organisation of teacher trainee placements and some perceived gaps in the programme regarding supporting trainees in learning key skills for the classroom; believes that these problems are, in some key areas, having a detrimental impact on the preparedness of trainees to meet the challenges of the curriculum for excellence and their ability to deliver better teaching in literacy and numeracy, and calls on the Scottish Government to work with the teacher training institutions and the General Teaching Council for Scotland to take urgent action to implement the necessary improvements to the teacher training programme in Scotland.

That the Parliament is concerned by the recent evidence presented to the Education and Skills Committee by trainee teachers, which revealed some serious concerns about the teacher training programme in Scotland, specifically about the organisation of teacher trainee placements and some perceived gaps in the programme regarding supporting trainees in learning key skills for the classroom; believes that these problems are, in some key areas, having a detrimental impact on the preparedness of trainees to meet the challenges of the curriculum for excellence and their ability to deliver better teaching in literacy and numeracy, and calls on the Scottish Government to work with the teacher training institutions and the General Teaching Council for Scotland to take urgent action to implement the necessary improvements to the teacher training programme in Scotland.

Supported by: Peter Chapman

Current Status: Taken in the Chamber on 17/05/2017

That the Parliament congratulates the University of St Andrews on being ranked the third best university in the UK in The Complete University Guide 2018; notes that the university was ranked behind only the universities of Oxford and Cambridge; understands that the guide is based on 10 measures, including quality of research, prospects for graduates and student infrastructure; notes that a total of 129 institutions were listed in this year's edition, and understands that the University of Edinburgh, Heriot-Watt University, University of Dundee and University of Glasgow were ranked 23rd, 28th, 35th and 36th respectively.

That the Parliament congratulates the University of St Andrews on being ranked the third best university in the UK in The Complete University Guide 2018; notes that the university was ranked behind only the universities of Oxford and Cambridge; understands that the guide is based on 10 measures, including quality of research, prospects for graduates and student infrastructure; notes that a total of 129 institutions were listed in this year's edition, and understands that the University of Edinburgh, Heriot-Watt University, University of Dundee and University of Glasgow were ranked 23rd, 28th, 35th and 36th respectively.

That the Parliament congratulates the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and its staff on being ranked in the world’s top three performing arts institutions for the first time in the prestigious QS international academic rankings; notes that the only institutions ranked above it are New York’s Juilliard and London’s Royal College and Royal Academy; recognises that this to the great credit of the conservatoire’s Principal, Jeffrey Sharkey, and his staff, students and trustees, and considers that this is a fabulous achievement in its 170th anniversary year.

That the Parliament congratulates the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and its staff on being ranked in the world’s top three performing arts institutions for the first time in the prestigious QS international academic rankings; notes that the only institutions ranked above it are New York’s Juilliard and London’s Royal College and Royal Academy; recognises that this to the great credit of the conservatoire’s Principal, Jeffrey Sharkey, and his staff, students and trustees, and considers that this is a fabulous achievement in its 170th anniversary year.

To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking in light of concerns raised by COSLA regarding local authorities not being able to register all of their properties on the Land Register of Scotland by 2019.

Current Status: Due in Chamber on 20/12/2017

To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking in light of concerns raised by COSLA regarding local authorities not being able to register all of their properties on the Land Register of Scotland by 2019.

To ask the Scottish Government what the cost was of any repairs undertaken on the Queensferry Crossing between 4 September and 27 November 2017.

Answered byHumza Yousaf
(12/12/2017):

Forth Crossing Bridge Constructors have undertaken a variety of minor snagging works and finishes on the Queensferry Crossing between 4 September and 27 November 2017. These works have been undertaken at no additional cost to the public purse. The project budget remains £1.325 - £1.35 billion.

Current Status: Answered by Humza Yousaf on 12/12/2017

To ask the Scottish Government what the cost was of any repairs undertaken on the Queensferry Crossing between 4 September and 27 November 2017.

To ask the Scottish Government what repairs were undertaken on the Queensferry Crossing between 4 September and 27 November 2017.

Answered byHumza Yousaf
(12/12/2017):

Forth Crossing Bridge Constructors have undertaken a variety of minor snagging works and finishes on the Queensferry Crossing between 4 September and 27 November 2017. These relate to the installation and commissioning of mechanical and electrical equipment, lighting, wind shielding, concrete, towers and piers. Snagging works of this nature are entirely normal on a large infrastructure project, particularly on a project of this scale and complexity.

Current Status: Answered by Humza Yousaf on 12/12/2017

To ask the Scottish Government what repairs were undertaken on the Queensferry Crossing between 4 September and 27 November 2017.

To ask the Scottish Government how much money, other than the £19.9 million spent on Getting it Right for Every Child and the £41.6 million for extra health visitors, has been allocated to the administration of the Named Person Scheme each year.

Answered byJohn Swinney
(10/11/2017):

In 2014 the Scottish Government announced funding of £41.6 million for additional Health Visitors with the goal to grow the workforce by 500 by the end of 2018. The scale of the Scottish Government’s investment in and expansion of the health Visiting workforce by around 50% is unprecedented. The investment will ensure that NHS Scotland has the right levels of staff to provide visits and reviews for children in order that they can get the best possible start in life and meet Health Board obligations under the Children and Young People (Scotland) Act.

Local authorities were provided with £400k in 2015-16 and £9.8m in 2016-17 to support preparation for the commencement of the services covered in Parts 4 and 5 of the 2014 Act.

The Scottish Government has listened closely to what has been said to the Committee on resources and support for implementation. The Scottish Government accepts that further financial resources, over and above that set out in the Financial Memorandum, will be required to assist implementation and that this will be required over a longer period of time than the first year of implementation. The Scottish Government will consult with stakeholders on the detail of this multiyear approach as the Bill proceeds.

Current Status: Answered by John Swinney on 10/11/2017

To ask the Scottish Government how much money, other than the £19.9 million spent on Getting it Right for Every Child and the £41.6 million for extra health visitors, has been allocated to the administration of the Named Person Scheme each year.

To ask the Scottish Government how much of the money allocated to each local authority for the Pupil Equity Fund has been used to cover administration costs, and how much has gone directly to schools for strategies to improve attainment.

Answered byJohn Swinney
(06/11/2017):

Pupil Equity Funding is paid to local authorities by means of a ring fenced grant which clearly specifies the amount to be allocated directly to each school. The conditions of grant make clear that Headteachers must have access to the full amount of the funding allocated to them to use for additional staffing or resources that they consider will raise attainment.

Head teachers are expected to work in partnership with each other, and their local authority, to agree the use of the funding, taking account of the statutory responsibility of the authority to deliver educational improvement, secure best value and their role as an employer. Many local authorities have issued complementary guidance and packages of support to help head teachers to plan how to use the funding effectively.

Current Status: Answered by John Swinney on 06/11/2017

To ask the Scottish Government how much of the money allocated to each local authority for the Pupil Equity Fund has been used to cover administration costs, and how much has gone directly to schools for strategies to improve attainment.

The total amount of Pupil Equity Funding allocations for 2018-19 will be confirmed in the draft budget next month with the provisional local authority allocations contained within the Local Government Finance Circular which will issue the same day. Both the final local authority level and school level allocations will be confirmed early next year.

Current Status: Answered by John Swinney on 10/11/2017

To ask the Scottish Government how much it has already allocated to each local authority for the Pupil Equity Fund in (a) 2017-18 and (b) 2018-19.